Getting there

I've been back two weeks now- what a fantastic place Arizona was, we had a great time! I took about 2000 photos so its taking me a while to go through them all. Been really non stop at work too and it shows no sign of slowing over the next few weeks either!

I could stay in and go through photos and write up a brief trip report this weekend but the weather looks too good to stay in. I am drawn to the coast to try to find whatever I can, my Icterine warbler still eludes me so thats pretty high on the want list. The Bonelli's would also be a tick but is possibly not worth the twitch when their are finds to be had.
Happy birding this weekend everyone, shame the easterlies have faded for now.

Off on my hols

I'm still alive!

Just gone off the radar completely recently, been busy at work, sorting through lots of records etc at home and to top it off my photoshop cs3 has decided that it doesn't want to work any more so have not been able to post any pics. I have also just realised to replace it with a kosha copy will cost a lot!
Another excuse for lack of updates is due to the fact that Ruth and I are off on our belated honeymoon tomorrow, South East Arizona here we come! Obviously I have been fairly busy planning what we should do and revising the field guide.
I will make sure that I get a new photo editing package and put a trip report and photos on here in two weeks time (or so).

PS swallowtail larvae transects showed good numbers this year!

more micros

Just the heath trap out on Tuesday night, but a good selection of moths including Stathmoppda pedella (above), a little cracker! they have a very odd resting position with the back legs spread out perpendicular to the body in a T shape.
Other photos included below are of some of the more interesting or new species in the trap

756- Parachronistis albiceps

1139 Nut Bud Moth

1169 Gypsonoma dealbana

Red Neck visits Strumpy

A cracking moth night last night with about 85 species plus a few micros still to be id'd, it was warm and overcast and saw quite a few newly emerged moths. Included in the catch were the first 5 privit Hawkmoths, Lilac beauty and reed dagger of the year.
The absolute highlight for me was the last moth, it was on the underside of the lip on my trap, a quick tap out onto my hand and a slight speed up of my heart I was holding a Red Necked Footman, a first for me and Strumpshaw, a few snaps and I had to start work, a very good start to the day, I have wanted this species for a while now!